As Chen Nan finished setting up the formation, the gazes of millions shifted noticeably. If before they held disdain and scorn, now they were filled with awe. Formation masters were rare even in the human realm, and their status was even higher in the demon realm. To be a subordinate of a formation master would undoubtedly bring them immense benefits.
"I need four hundred thousand people," Chen Nan's voice echoed through the heavens and earth. "Whoever endures the longest will have a chance to become my subordinate." He intended to help Ba Ba, Duan Yunchuan, and San Yan each select a hundred thousand demon warriors.
Just then, an elder with white hair and beard flew over. His name was Fu Chen, ranked first among the eight hundred commanders, and his strength was second only to Tu Mie in the Ten Thousand Demon Cave.
"You understand the way of formations?" Fu Chen asked Chen Nan, having sensed the fluctuations of the formation earlier.
Chen Nan replied, "Reporting to senior, this junior studied formations in the human realm. While I dare not claim mastery, I do understand some basics." Chen Nan did not conceal his human identity; some things were impossible to hide.
Fu Chen nodded slightly, then looked at Wen Chuxue. "Commander Wen, since this child is a formation master, allow him to advance directly. He will take over the demon legion under Man Ba! You find someone to fill his spot."
This announcement caused a stir among many. No one had expected Chen Nan to ascend so rapidly and become a super-being ranked third among the eight hundred commanders. Yet, considering he was a formation master, it was not excessive even if he replaced Man Ba.
Chen Nan himself was surprised by how favored formation masters were in the demon realm. Although this change in status disrupted his plans, it was not a major issue overall.
Fu Chen looked at him. "The demon race has a vast population, but their strength and state of mind vary greatly. With your formations, you can surely select individuals with exceptional perseverance. First, control the formation to help choose a group of demons with outstanding character and firm resolve. Once this is done, Commander Wen will escort you to the Demon Palace."
"Understood!" Chen Nan agreed. He then manipulated the formation, selecting individuals with steadfast perseverance. Afterwards, he followed Wen Chuxue and Huang Jin towards the Demon Palace.
"If possible, I hope you will refuse to take over Man Ba's subordinates," Wen Chuxue said on their journey, her expression grave.
Huang Jin added, "Man Ba's subordinates number only sixty thousand, but they are all his confidantes. Furthermore, the weakest among them has reached the fourth-level Demon Emperor, and there are even two seventh-level Demon Emperors. They are fully aware of your past dealings with Man Ba. If Man Ba hadn't released all the demon beasts from his small world to deal with you, he wouldn't have fled. Do you think they will respect you if you take control of his subordinates?" He chuckled. "They might even find an opportunity to kill you and avenge Man Ba."
Chen Nan replied, "I thank you both for your advice, but it won't be so easy for Man Ba's subordinates to kill me." As a formation master, trapping a sixth-level Demon Emperor was not difficult for him. Of course, he also needed a powerful team. Man Ba's subordinates were the best choice, and he was confident he could win their loyalty through strength.
A short while later, Chen Nan, along with Wen Chuxue and Huang Jin, arrived at a massive palace – the main base of the Ten Thousand Demon Cave, where Tu Mie himself cultivated. The dark palace exuded a chilling demonic aura.
Fu Chen sat cross-legged. "Greetings, Great Commander!" Wen Chuxue and Huang Jin bowed immediately. Fu Chen's strength was second only to Tu Mie, and he managed the daily affairs of the Ten Thousand Demon Cave. Frankly, the Ten Thousand Demon Cave could exist without Tu Mie, but not without Fu Chen.
Fu Chen slowly opened his eyes, a hint of approval flashing in his gaze as he looked at Chen Nan. He was aware of everything that had transpired in the city and was quite satisfied with the demons selected in the assessment.
"According to the rules, all commanders are eligible to cultivate in the Celestial Demon Pool. That is where ancient Celestial Demons perished. Although you are human, you are now one of us, the demon race, and are permitted to cultivate there. Whatever fortune you gain will depend on your destiny." He produced a black demonic pearl. With a thought, it flew towards Wen Chuxue. "Commander Wen, take Chen Nan to the Celestial Demon Pool! After he emerges, escort him to the God Slaying Camp to take over Man Ba's forces."
"Yes!" Wen Chuxue accepted the order. She led Chen Nan away from the Demon Palace and to a majestic mountain west of Kun City. She formed hand seals, and the black demonic pearl emitted a surge of immense demonic energy, forming a spatial gate in the void.
Wen Chuxue said softly, "Enter. This is the place where Celestial Demons fell. The longer you stay inside, the greater the benefits you will receive."
Chen Nan hesitated for a moment before asking, "May I inquire, what is the current record here?"
Wen Chuxue replied, "Great Emperor Tu Mie stayed inside for nine days. To this day, no one has broken that record." Chen Nan understood and cupped his fists towards Wen Chuxue before flying into the spatial gate.
The next moment, an ancient, desolate demonic aura washed over him, causing him some discomfort. Even though he had cultivated the Blood Demon Great Law, this demonic aura seemed to want to devour his mind.
"Do not underestimate this place. The demon race's ability to establish a foothold in the immortal realm and possess the largest territory is mainly due to Celestial Demons. The demon race is divided into Celestial Demons and Earth Demons. Though the difference is slight, the strength of Celestial Demons is terrifying. Powerful Celestial Demons can even slay gods. Before the Heavenly Court collapsed, a Celestial Demon once infiltrated it, intending to cause chaos like the Monkey King. It was besieged by divine generals like Yang Jian, and it took three months of fierce battle to finally slay that Celestial Demon."
Chen Nan gasped. "Three months of fierce battle to slay a Celestial Demon?"
Qing Long replied, "Celestial Demons are inherently terrifying, and a true Celestial Demon has nine lives. Killing one is far from as simple as you imagine." Chen Nan was shocked. Nine lives? That was too heaven-defying.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. With a splash, he landed in the vast demonic pool below. The once calm water churned violently, and streams of demonic energy surged into Chen Nan's body from all directions. The pain was excruciating, far more intense than when he had endured the blood and demonic energy of millions of demons. His pupils were bloodshot, and his gums began to bleed.
This time, Qing Long didn't wait for Chen Nan to speak; he proactively helped Chen Nan bear the pain. The dragon soul surrounded Chen Nan's sea of consciousness, preventing the demonic energy from invading his soul. If that were to happen, Chen Nan would truly become a demon, something no one wished for.
Sitting cross-legged, Chen Nan recited the Blood Demon Great Law, madly absorbing the demonic energy from the Celestial Demon Pool.
The next moment, Qing Long let out an excited shriek, "Holy crap, good stuff! Found something amazing!"